subject: An Understanding Of Medicare Supplemental Plans A Through L [print this page] The twelve supplemental insurance policies aiding with expenses not insured while using Original Medicare insurance Program are referred to as Medicare supplemental insurance programs. These programs are all required to supply selected basic features.
The plans are identified as Plan A through Plan L. Each one provides a different set of benefits targeted at replenishing "gaps" in Medicare insurance policies. Every plan is charged consequently to complement the coverage. Medicare supplement Plans K and L correspond to the basic benefits offered in Plans A and J, nevertheless, the plans come at a reduced monthly premium though greater out-of-pocket charges.
Medicare supplement Plans F and J can be offered with a "high-deductible alternative." In case you choose to pick these plans, you will end up susceptible to a $2,000 deductible in 2009. The plan is not going to include anything until the deductible has been settled. The amount of the deductible on these plans are not fixed and, as a result, can increase every year. Your premium itself is cheaper, although your out-of-pocket price is going to be higher.
You should know that Medicare SELECT ought to be dealt with as another Medicare supplement plan in addition to the twelve common plans. The standard Medicare Supplement Plans A-L usually cost more than Medicare SELECT. You will find limits to SELECT, even so, such as which physicians and hospitals you can use. If you need to learn more about which Medicare SELECT coverage is available close to you, make contact with your state insurance coverage department.
Are you at this time in a Medicare Advantage Plan? (Medicare Health Maintenance Organization HMO is a Medicare Advantage Plan.) If you are, you no longer require a Medicare supplemental health insurance coverage plan.
Citizens of Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have different standard Medicare supplement insurance plans from which to decide on.
Basic Benefits:
Dealt with by Plans A-J:
Medicare Part A copayments in addition to insurance for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
Medicare Part B coinsurance (frequently twenty percent of Medicare-permitted expenses), or copayments for outpatient services
Initial 3 pints of blood every year
Covered by Medigap Plan K:
Medicare Part A copayments plus coverage for 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
50 percent of hospice expense-sharing
50 percent for the initial three pints of blood each year
50 % Medicare Part B coinsurance, except 100 % copayments for Part B preventive services
Dealt with by Medigap Plan L:
Medicare Part A coinsurance and insurance coverage for 365 more days after Medicare benefits end
75 % of hospice fee-sharing
75 % for the first 3 pints of blood each year
75 % Medicare Part B coinsurance, except 100 percent copayments for Part B preventive services
Medicare Part A Hospital Deductible
Covered by Plans B-J:
$1,068 in 2009 for each benefit period for hospital services
Insured by Medigap Plan K:
50 percent of the $1,068 Part A hospital deductible
Paid for by Plan L:
75 percent of the $1,068 Part A hospital insurance deductible
Skilled Nursing-Home Costs
Covered by Plan C-J:
Your fee ($133.50 in 2009) for days 21 through 100 in a skilled nursing home
Dealt with by Plan K:
50 % of $133.50 for days 21 through 100 in a skilled nursing home
Covered by Medigap Plan L:
75 percent of $133.50 for days 21 through 100 in a skilled nursing home
Medicare Part B Insurance deductible
Covered by Plans C, F, J:
Yearly insurance deductible for doctor services ($135 in 2009)
Medicare Part B Excess Charges
Dealt with by Plan F (100 %), G (80 percent), I (100 percent), J (100 percent):
If your physician doesn't accept assignment, the gap between what a physician charges and the Medicare-approved amount.
Foreign Travel Emergency
Covered by Plan C-J:
Outside the United States: 80 percent of the cost of emergency care
Up to $50,000 in your lifetime
Yearly insurance deductible of $250
At-Home Recovery
Paid for by Plans D, G, I, J:
If already receiving skilled home care covered by Medicare Help, assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing.
After you no longer need skilled care, assistance for up to eight weeks
Will pay up to $40 per visit, seven visits a week, or a sum of $1,600 per year
Non-Medicare-Covered Preventive Services
Insured by Plans E, J:
Up to $120 on a yearly basis for non-Medicare-covered precautionary services requested by a physician
